Born to Run

Chapter 5: "I Am Among Friends This Night"

In a small corner, tucked away from nearly life itself, he sat. The sharp pain of reminiscence; the ceaseless screaming in his ears, the haunting images that flashed before him no matter how tight he closed his eyes… Would it ever end?

He clutched the irons that bound his hands. He needed to break free. It had been twenty years now. He had to tell…

The stench of horse manure made him want to gag. Why had they locked him up here? What had he done wrong? Simply see the truth behind the smiling Monster?

No. He would not let the Monster win. The monster would not and could not take over what was rightfully hers. Not now, not ever.

He squinted through the darkness, trying to make out the mouldy bread and cold soup. Now he would eat. Save his strength for the moment.

Hungrily he wolfed down the bread, ignoring the smell and taste. He should not waste much needed nutrition. He slurped the soup, trying to be as loud as he could. They still thought he was crazy. They called him the Crippled Bear. What good use could he be put to now that one leg was shorter than the other? But they would never understand. They would never know why he was imprisoned.

Slowly he reached down the stub of his right leg, where his foot once had been. No wonder they called him a bear. He was huge, muscular and fit. Well, he had been, anyway. Before they’d ruined him. Twenty years older now, he had to return the favour. He’d put his sanity to good use. The day was coming.

The day when everything was put to rights once again.

“Hullo, Bear,” the guard sneered as he snatched up the empty bowl and bread. “Eating for once, I see.”

He babbled aimlessly, trying to throw the guard off. They may have him, but they could not take his mind.

The guard made a sympathetic sound in his throat. “Must’ve killed someone rich to be here for so long,” he said to no one in particular.

The babbling continued.

“May his soul rest in peace.” The guard walked away, shaking his head.

There were neither doors nor bars where they had chained him. He supposed they figured that being tied up in a large and free space would drive him crazy after a while, and it nearly had. But the Crippled Bear didn’t give up. They had put him in the stables, knowing that no one would find him. He had only the horses to talk to, and they happened to be very good listeners.

It was all thought out now, and very soon he would make his move. All he needed was a sign.

(#)

Once the Manning sons had unloaded everything, the family and Esme were escorted to their quarters within the mansion, where they were to wait for Brigitte. Esme sat, avoiding Thomas’ obvious gaze. She did not want to discuss what had happened on the walk. All would be well if he could only leave it alone! “Pray, Mr Thomas, do stop staring. You are making me uncomfortable.” She said quietly.

“I beg your pardon, Miss Esme. You do not look well. I was trying to figure out what might be wrong.”

Fitz raised an eyebrow. “Staring cures nothing, Tom,” he said, glaring at his brother for causing Esme discomfort.

“At least I’m showing some form of assistance,” Tom said coldly.

“Well, if you hadn’t…” Fitz attempted, before he was interrupted.

“Gentlemen!” Mr Manning said sternly. “It’d be best to hold your tongues. I will not have you bickering on the King’s property.”

Tom looked away angrily, while Fitz kept his gaze steady on his father. “I apologize, sir.” He said calmly. “Miss Esme,” he looked over at her apologetically.